In the words of Mandela

The world is mourning the death of Nelson Mandela, a freedom fighter and the first black South African head of state. He died aged 95.

Mandela was admitted to hospital in June this year for a sever lung infection and was in and out of hospital since then.

In honor of the man who was larger than life, we have compiled some of his quotes that have changed the lives of many people around the world. It was first published on our magazine in July this year.

The editorial team of Addis Standard magazine wishes to express its condolences to the family of Mandela in particular and South Africans in general.

Nelson Mandela key dates

1918 Born in the Eastern Cape

1943 Joined African National Congress1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped

1962 Arrested, convicted of sabotage, sentenced to five years in prison

1964 Charged again, sentenced to life

1990 Freed from prison1993 Won Nobel Peace Prize

1994 Elected first black president

1999 Stepped down as leader

2004 Retired from public life

2005 Announces his son has died of an HIV/Aids-related illness

Madiba…

The leader A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind

The go-getter It always seems impossible until it’s done

The optimist I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death

The caring For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of othersNever the quitter The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall

The brave I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

The methodical A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special

The forgiver As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prisonThe resolute I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended

The fighter I hate racial discrimination most intensely and all its manifestations. I have fought all my life; I fight now, and will do so until the end of my days

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About Addis Standard

Addis Standard is a monthly English private magazine published and distributed by JAKENN Publishing P.L.C. It is registered with the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia under license number 1552/2003.